In Sri Lanka, despite remarkable progress in health and care, paediatric oncology remains a critical area of need, with significant challenges in resources, infrastructure, and access to advanced treatments.
There are high paediatric mortality rates due to sepsis and limited access to targeted and precision therapies. Meanwhile trained paediatric oncology specialists and nurses are in short supply and are sometimes required to work 24-hour shifts, taking on significant responsibilities and managing a heavy workload.
Improving outcomes for children with cancer through collaboration
In 2025 a multidisciplinary team from the UK visited Sri Lanka to develop a partnership with the Sri Lankan National Cancer Institute to work together and develop a plan for combatting the challenge of paediatric cancer.
Partnership working enables the growth of knowledge and skills for both NHS and Sri Lankan healthcare staff to ensure delivery of the best possible care to patients and reassurance to families.
Your support will enable the team to put this partnership into action: expanding paediatric cancer training and services to build better outcomes and ensure fewer children suffer from cancer in Sri Lanka.
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“The visit highlighted the importance of cost-effective approaches to patient care and the value of minimising unnecessary resource use. It also reinforced a mindset of gratitude and adaptability – learning to focus on solutions rather than complaints, even when resources are limited. “
Upeka Senanayake, Paediatric oncology trainee at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH)
